Redemption Story (Part 1)

I would venture to say that most if not all of you are familiar with the Christmas story and the role of the Virgin Mary in the birth of Jesus. Today, I want to challenge you to look at Mary differently. Don’t just view her as the mother of our Savior. Rather, I want you to see her for her strength and willingness to be obedient in the midst of an extremely difficult circumstance in her life.

For Mary to be pregnant while engaged presented great trouble for her. What would her family think? What would Joseph do? She knew that according to the law, young women who were engaged but found to be pregnant by someone other than their betrothed were to be stoned to death. Mary knew that many women during this time died during childbirth. She knew being pregnant would be the end of the dreams she had for her wedding day and that Joseph would likely call off the marriage. In spite of all of these things, in spite of all of the uncertainty of what this meant, Mary’s response to Gabriel was simple, yet profound. She simply said, “I am the Lord’s servant; may your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). You see men, Mary stepped up and said “yes”, thus cementing her role in your redemption story.

Through Mary, we see that God’s call on our lives is sometimes difficult. It may lead us to set aside our own plans. It may mean giving up our hopes and dreams. It may be freighting and full of risks, but through it all we should be inspired to respond like Mary – with faith and obedience and say, “I am the Lord’s servant, may your word to me be fulfilled.”

This Week’s Challenge:
This week, as you prepare your hearts for Christmas, remember that it is not about how much money you spend, the gifts you receive, or how much you eat. Rather, Christmas is about offering yourself as Mary did and being willing to be made willing to be part of someone’s redemption story. Whose redemption story are you willing to be part of?